Walter Bobrowski Diary, 1944-1946

Abstract

Native of Detroit, Mich., born on June 27, 1924 and graduated from Chadsey High School in 1942. Apprenticed at Solvay Process Chemical Co. repair shop and worked as lathe hand at Timken Detroit Axle Co. before induction in the United States Navy. Served in the Pacific theater aboard LCT (6) 1411, with first action on the western beaches of Okinawa in April, 1945. Continued service in Okinawa after the unconditional surrender of Japan, earning rank of Motor Machinist Mate 3rd class. Returned to the United States aboard the U.S.S. Ticonderoga. Discharged on January 30, 1946 and was a member of VFW Post 6896. Died January 6, 2012. Collection includes a transcript of Bobrowski's World War II service diary from induction to discharge, including participation in the invasion of Okinawa in 1945. Provides details of combat operations, shipping of material, Japanese kamikaze attacks, and the daily life of sailors, with references to films (The Big Sleep) and musicians (Duke Ellington). Also notes the bombing of Hiroshima, Russian declaration of war on Japan, and V-J Day. Collection also contains two photographs of Bobrowski in uniform and archived versions of online resources referred to in diary transcript.